Greater needs lie on defense for Cowboys

By Eric Edholm
Profootball Weekly

There is little debate that the offensive line didn’t play up to expectations or that the wide receivers underachieved in Dallas this season. But with an eye on offseason improvements, it appears there is a greater and more immediate need to improve the defense — on all three levels. On the line, depth is a concern, especially behind NT Jay Ratliff, and DE Chris Canty, a free agent, might not return. With ILB Zach Thomas and reserve Kevin Burnett set to hit free agency, the team needs at least one more inside guy, and there’s a chance that both players will walk in search of better situations. At outside linebacker, Greg Ellis might be too expensive to keep in a reserve role. In the secondary, safety needs immediate attention, and even if the team moves Anthony Henry there, that probably opens the door for another cornerback to be added, given that Adam Jones has been cut and Mike Jenkins has yet to show he can play.